Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Releases 37 Inmates From Correctional Centres

Thursday March 19, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has ordered the release of 37 inmates in the three custodial centres of Ikot Abasi, Eket and Ikot- Ekpene in the state.

She gave the order during her ongoing routine visit to all the custodial centres in the state.

Out of the 37 released inmates, eight were released on health grounds while 29 others were freed on compassion and want of prosecution, two were released in Ikot Ikot Abasi, eight from Eket while 27 from Ikot- Ekpene custodial centres.

Speaking virtually during different court sessions in the three facilities on Monday and Wednesday respectively, the CJ said it was unconstitutional to keep suspects for too long without trial, noting that their offences range from stealing and fighting while others were arrested during the EndSars protest.

Among those released was one Charity Augustine, aged 18, who has spent over one year in custody for a four-count charge of stealing.

The CJ said the inmate was released on compassionate ground bearing her age and nature of the items (garri) she was accused of stealing, adding that she would be placed on 6 months’ probation and an officer assigned to her for close monitoring.

Also, two convicts in Ikot-Abasi Custodian centre, Aniekan John and Ndifreke Koffi, who were released before the completion of their prison terms, were asked to report to the facility every three months to ascertain their good conduct.

The CJ also released some suspects awaiting trial for more than three years who were alleged to have committed minor offences, including fighting, assault, stealing of farm crops and other family issues, for lack of prosecution.

She, therefore, charged lawyers and police to be diligent and professional in the discharge of their duties to forestall unnecessary delays in court processes and free up correctional centers, stressing that it was unconstitutional to keep suspects for long without trial.

“Most of the charges are trumped up, some lack prosecution; therefore, go home and be of good behaviour and don’t engage in any acts that will bring you back again.

“I release you unconditionally because it is unconstitutional to keep you for too long without trial,” the CJ said after reviewing their case files.

The Chief Judge also advocated for the provision of stipends to sponsor released inmates’ transport back home and not to release them and leave them stranded.

Earlier, the Officer in charge of Ikot Ekpene custodial centre, DCC Boniface Momoh, stated that the facility, which was meant to hols 400 inmates, accommodates over 700 inmates, noting that apart from overcrowding, the facility is faced with shortages of water supply, operational vehicles with difficulties occasioned by the high cost of fuel.

Momoh, therefore, appealed to the Chief Judge to use her office as she always does, to appeal to the governor, Pastor Umo Eno for assistance.
(Daily Post)